Hampden Bridge

Item details


Name of item:	Hampden Bridge
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Transport - Land
Category:	Road Bridge
Location:	Lat: -34.727448217 Long: 150.520829564
Primary address:	Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley, NSW 2577
Parish:	Cambewarra
County:	Camden
Local govt. area:	Shoalhaven

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	7		DP	581233

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Moss Vale Road	Kangaroo Valley	Shoalhaven	Cambewarra	Camden	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	State Government

Statement of significance:


	Hampden Bridge is of state significance as the second major suspension bridge in NSW, and as the only surviving timber decked vehicular suspension bridge constructed in the nineteenth century (1898). The bridge is associated with engineer Ernest Macartney de Burgh, and builders Loveridge and Hudson. Hampden bridge has the capacity to represent some of the key characteristics of a small class of Australian suspension bridges, both vehicular and footbridges; many of which do not survive, or do not survive in their original form. The Hampden Bridge also has historic significance because it facilitated the agricultural prominence of the Kangaroo Valley area in the first decades of the twentieth century. The form of the bridge, its relatively sophisticated structural design and elaborate tower castellations, reflects the cultural importance of this crossing at its time of construction, on what was then both a major route to the south of the state, and an area of emerging prosperity. The bridge now facilitates the growing importance of the area as a tourist destination. It is readily viewed and interpreted from the surrounding recreational areas and is held in high esteem by the local and wider community for its historic, aesthetic and technical qualities.
	Date significance updated: 10 Jul 18
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Ernest Macartney DeBurgh
Builder/Maker:	Loveridge and Hudson
Physical description:	From Hampden Bridge Conservation Management Plan, by Worsley Parsons Services Pty Ltd, Feb 2011 Hampden Bridge carries Moss Vale Road (B73) across the Kangaroo River in the picturesque Kangaroo Valley, 120 km southwest of Sydney. The bridge is located in an undulating river valley terrain, with a sheer sandstone face on its northern side and sandy inclined riverbank on the southern side. The river flows westward under the bridge. Hampden Bridge is a suspension bridge using steel cables, a timber deck and sandstone towers of Victorian Gothic style. The deck is stiffened by timber side trusses which are hinged at midspan. The bridge, with a clear main span of 77m, a sag in the cables of 15m, sandstone tower height of 16.8m and height above water also of 16.8m, is an impressive structure in the local landscape and has been a landmark icon of the region for more than 100 years. The bridge is a single lane for vehicular traffic, with two narrow pedestrian walkways; with a maximum truck load of 42.5 tonnes, and no more than one truck on the bridge at a time. Towers and Abutments The towers, constructed mainly from sandstone quarried on the site are of Victorian Gothic style, similar to the (former) suspension bridge at Northbridge in Sydney. Each tower has two columns, joined by an elliptically arched crossbeam above traffic height. As described by The Kangaroo Valley Times of April 1896, "These towers will be about 42 ft high, built on concrete blocks resting on the present sandstone formation, the masonry to towers being 8 ft square. Each pair of towers will be connected by a wall containing an arched doorway 18 ft high, and as the top sides of the centre walls and heads of towers will be finished with battlement tops, the whole will present the appearance of a structure similar to the famous "Traitor's" gate of the Tower of London...". In section, the towers are formed by a solid mass concrete core and finished with sandstone blocks. They sit on mass concrete which in turn was cast onto excavations to solid sandstone. Immediately below the roller saddle bearings supporting the cables, the mass concrete is surmounted by bedstones composed of the rarely found hard trachyte weighing 3 tonnes and quarried at Mount Gibraltar at Bowral. The cables enter the towers through openings close to the battlement height of the cross wall, and each tower is then topped with an enlarged battlement. The finish of the sandstone is a combination of smooth ashlar battlement details and rock-faced finish on the main column faces. The original design incorporated drainage gratings in the floor of the upper battlements. Extending out from the base of each tower are sandstone parapet walls framing the approaches to the bridge. These are rubble filled, and topped with footpaths, kerbs and drainage grates on each side of the roadway. The parapet walls connect the towers to the cable anchorage structures. These consist of a shaft sunk some 25 ft into sound sandstone. At the bottom of each shaft is an enlarged chamber where riveted steel beams transfer the tensile forces from the cables to upthrust in the sandstone above. At the surface there are cast iron shoulder castings which turn the cables from inclined to vertical. The thrust forces from these are transferred into the sandstone bedrock via further 5 ton trachyte thrust blocks set in concrete. Each anchor pit is surmounted by a small crenelated turret, with an access cover adjacent. This allows access to the bottom of the pit via a full height access ladder. One of the significant construction tasks was the excavation of drainage tunnels for the pit. On the Nowra side, the main drainage drive was some 100 ft, opening to the northeast of the abutment, with a cross cut to the western pit. On the Moss Vale side the main drive was 60 ft long. These tunnels were excavated by drilling and blasting. Suspension Cables and Anchorages The main cables of the bridge on each side, consist of fourteen 36mm diameter steel wire ropes, each with a specified tensile strength of 79.6 tonnes. The fourteen ropes are grouped into two cables of 7 ropes each, and each rope consists of 6 strands, each having 7 wires. They are anchored vertically in pits at either end of the bridge and have facility for length adjustment. Each rope has its own anchorage yoke around which it passes and is then fastened back to itself using 6 U-bolt clips. The fourteen yokes are connected by links and bolts to three anchorage girders using a pattern of 4-6-4, and these girders bear against the top of the anchorage pits. From the anchorage, the ropes run upwards, over a shoulder casting which bears on the thrust block, leave the sandstone pilaster, run directly to the tower where they turn again on turning saddles which have roller bearings, and cross the span with a low point approximately one metre above deck level. In plan the cables angle inwards from the anchorage pits till they leave the towers, and then form a curve back to the tower on the far side of the bridge. This curve is created by the plane of the suspension hangers. The maintenance files on the bridge, describe that in 1970 the cables were coated with Davidsons X3016 Anticorrosive primer, BA77 Lumatint and Line 176 Black Finish. Suspension Hangers and Cross Girders From the cables, suspension rods of varying length hang in an inclined plane at 6 ft centres to support the deck. Anchorage on the suspension cables is by way of suspension clips which have a U-bolt to support the eye at the top end of the hanger rods. They terminate through crossbeams which were originally timber, but are now boxes of galvanised steel formed by welding channel sections together. The hangers terminate with wedge-shaped washers, nuts and lock-nuts to allow adjustment of vertical profile. Deck Sitting on the cross beams, the current deck consists of longitudinal timber stringers supporting transverse decking of timbers topped by longitudinal timber sheeting, with a bituminous seal. The stringers are of varying depth to provide a camber to the deck. As part of that work and to compensate for the loss of lateral and torsional stiffness of the new deck, a steel undertruss was installed. This connected to the abutment at each end and, by so doing, changed the manner in which the bridge was designed to articulate. It has since had a history of connection failures. Packed above deck level to allow drainage, there is a timber kerb on each side giving a clearance of 18 ft between kerbs. In its current configuration, plastic flaps are fixed approx 1m in from each kerb to provide pedestrian access to the bridge, leaving approx 3.5 m carriageway for traffic. Deck Trusses A suspension bridge is inherently a very flexible structure, with its vertical geometry (referred to as a funicular polygon which approximates a catenary shape which applies when the load on a cable is completely uniform) varying to balance the loads at each node. Stiffening of a minor nature is provided by the deck, but this is insufficient to prevent large vertical movements for heavy vehicles. To control this effect, this bridge is provided with stiffening trusses along each side of the deck. Each truss is pinned at the abutment and at the centre of the span. The truss form is of the Pratt truss configuration with timber top and bottom chords and timber verticals, with steel rod crossed diagonals. This configuration allows the truss to transfer loads from where it is applied in both directions to the elastic supports provided at each node by the suspension cables. The top and bottom chords consist of pairs of horizontal timber whilst the verticals are single timbers. Splices in the chords have been affected with steel side plates, some of which may be original and some replaced. The original mild steel diagonal rods have been replaced with high strength steel rods (presumably grade 8.8 steel with an ultimate tensile strength of 800 MPa). These bear on galvanised steel thrust plates which are either original or similar to the original detail. To assist with durability, the chords and vertical tops have been capped with galvanised steel flashing. Bearings and Centre Hinge The bottom chords of the side trusses terminate at mid-span at a pin joining the two truss halves, and at the abutments in bearings. The northern bearing and centre pin are of fixed pin type whilst the southern bearing is of a swing link style, detailed to allow longitudinal movement. This movement is a combination of thermal and geometric due to articulation of the suspension system. Materials used in the bearings and other ferric components include cast and wrought iron and also cast and wrought steel. In addition, the bridge consists of a number of other features of a secondary nature. This includes lighting which illuminates the towers. These are in vandal resistant boxes mounted outside the approach parapets. Downpipes and drainage was installed to remove water ponding in 1974 works. Galvanised wire mesh grillesare provided to prevent bird access to the suspension cable saddle areas on each tower. Security grilles are provided to prevent entry to the anchor pit drainage tunnels. A mesh grille was added as a nut catcher at the end of each steel truss diagonal. A maintenance gantry is suspended from the underside of the bridge. The gantry is a lightweight steel truss structure supporting a personnel platform whcih can be skidded from the upstream to the downstreem side of the bridge. Utilitiy pipes include a water main on the eastern side at the roadway level and two PVC conduits on the western side of the bridge. A number of plaques and historical markers are present either on the bridge or in its vicinity.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The bridge and its various components are in a good condition due to regular maintenance and upkeep.
	Date condition updated:05 Jul 18
Modifications and dates:	Adapted from the Hampden Bridge CMP * The bridge has undergone regular routine maintenance to preserve its operational use since its opening in 1898. * 1938-42 - Major redecking works were undertaken. * 1968 Load limit of 20 tonnes and speed limit of 15mph imposed on the bridge. * 1986 Road accident on bridge caused damage to sandstone bridge structure resulting in partial demolition of eastern bridge approach. * 2003 RTA imposed a 42.5 tonne load limit in August 2003. 50 tonne or B doubles would be prohibited. * 2004 The RTA was instructed to install a duplicate "Narrow Bridge" and "One Lane" warning sign on the Moss Vale side and to investigate road safety options on the approaches and monitor implementation of signage. * 2005 Signage approaching the bridge 'no passing or overtaking'. * 2008/2009 Some timber decking was replaced as required to keep the bridge safe. * 2011 Major works undertaken (To be confirmed)


Current use:	Road bridge
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farmland

History

Historical notes:

History of Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley region is within the Dharawal/Thurawal clan country, a language group extending generally from the 'Cowpastures' (Camden/Appin) east along Georges River then to the south of Jervis Bay and west to Braidwood. The Wodi Wodi and Wandrawandian, Dharawal sub groups from the Illawarra-Shoalhaven area accessed the valley year round. Local Dharawal names are still used such as 'Noggarah', a big gully and 'Parronrah', suitable camping areas on the river side flats. Kangaroos and other wildlife abounded and the valley was considered a refuge or game reserve, sometimes used as a meeting place for the various family groups to replenish on their journey to the 'Cowpastures' around the Camden/Appin area, where larger gatherings took place with neighbouring clans such as the Gundungurra from the Blue Mountains, to trade and conduct ceremony. Quite often disputes were also addressed through a formal process.

The arrival of the cedar getters and cattlemen in the 1800s changed the Aboriginal way of life and eventually only two family groups were recorded as living in the valley; at Trimbles Creek, north end of the valley and along the river on the southern side of the main village. By the early 1900s these remaining family groups were displaced from their lands and relocated with their remaining family groups clustered along the Illawarra/Shoalhaven coast, in places such as the (former) government reserves at Coomaditchee, Roseby Park and Wreck Bay.

Regardless of the physical exorcising of the Aboriginal people from the land, the rich Aboriginal landscape of this valley remains captured in the numerous traditional campsites marked by stone artefact scatters along the 'Parronrah' and axe grinding grooves at Barrengarry; and also in the special places such as rock art sites in the sandstone overhangs along the 'Noggarah' that feed into the main river, accompanied by the sharing of stories and song lines describing the important connections people have to country, and most importantly in the continuing culture of the Aboriginal people of the region today (Information provided by Rod Wellington).

(Adapted from Hampden Bridge CMP)
European settlement of the valley began in the late 1810s, with Richard Brooks sending cattle into the valley from the already settled districts of Berrima and Sutton Forest in 1817 and then taking up a grant in the valley in 1820. Others moved into the valley from Sutton Forest to occupy land around Brogers Creek. Cedar- getting also commenced in the first half of this century, with Kangaroo Valley known for its red cedar. Kangaroo Valley was surveyed by Hoddle in 1831. Several areas were selected for cattle stations in the 1830s, but the 1841 census showed only seven men inhabiting the valley.

Charles Throsby had passed through Kangaroo Valley in 1818 in search of a route from the coast to the settled districts along the Great South Road (Hume Highway). Throsby's route may have laid the line for the Cambewarra Road. The Cambewarra Road remained an important connection between the more closely settled districts to the north-west, with road access to Parramatta and Sydney, and the south coast. With access from Sydney to Wollongong still difficult into the early twentieth century, travelling to the south coast via the Cambewarra Road, remained a popular way (and still is today) to reach the south coast.

Henry Osborne, an Irish settler was a prominent landholder in the valley as well at other locations across the state and in 1837 held over 4000 acres. Charles McCaffrey, one of a group of settlers from Fermanagh, Ireland, brought dairy farming into the Kiama-Shoalhaven region, settling at Barrengarry in 1846. He soon began a dairy and butter production. Once Kangaroo Valley was opened to free settlement, the population grew from 200 in 1861, to 1,400 in 1881 as dairy farmers flocked to the valley. The region developed to become the Colony's major butter producer. However, travelling out of the region to the coast and Southern Highlands was still restricted by having to cross a ford over the Kangaroo River.

As the local farming activities reached a peak in the 1870s, it was decided to construct a two span timber truss bridge over the Kangaroo River of the "Old Public Works Department" (Old PWD) design. The call for tenders was advertised in the Government Gazette August 21, 1874, p.2531. The awarding of the contract to build the bridge for (Pounds)3000 to the Braidwood based company, Kelly and Walsh was advertised in the Government Gazette September 11, 1876 p.3608. According to Clark (1998) there were many unforseen difficulties encountered during construction which resulted in the shifting of the site of the bridge to help with bridge construction. The bridge which was named the Kangaroo Valley Bridge was opened on 14 August 1879 by Thomas Garrett, MP. The new bridge significantly improved access for the residents of the Valley, supported the five butter factories, the main township which had now gained a school, Post Office, churches and hotel and the nearby village of Barrengarry.

Although this timber truss bridge was constructed to be a "permanent" structure, it was soon discovered that the bridge's condition was deteriorating. In 1893 two large girders and wire rope were placed under the structure for additional strength. At the same time, planning began for the replacement of the bridge with a new suspension bridge refer to Section 2.4.1 below and which, according to Bayley (1953) in Austral Archaeology Pty Ltd (2001, 5) was to become far-famed as "the greatest feat of engineering in the valley and the second greatest in the colony of New South Wales".

Farm amalgamations in the twentieth century have reduced the population greatly, and hobby farmers and retirees are increasingly attracted to the valley. Otherwise, the character of the township has not changed significantly in the last 130 years with a number of heritage buildings remaining. The valley is now a popular tourist destination with a range of accommodation choices available, including bed and breakfasts. The bridge forms an important landmark and an attraction, as well as to this day being still the main access across the Kangaroo River. The bridge is well-known to those who reside in the valley, and to the wider public of Sydney and the South Coast region.

History of Early Bridges Constructed in NSW
The first bridge constructed in NSW was built in 1788. The bridge was a simple timber bridge constructed over the Tank Stream, near what is today the intersection of Pitt and Bridge Streets in the Central Business District of Sydney. Soon after its construction, it was washed away and needed to be replaced. The first "permanent" bridge in NSW was the first bridge's successor. This was a stone arch bridge with a span of 24 feet erected in 1803. However this was not a triumph of colonial bridge engineering, as it collapsed after only three years of service. It took a further five years for the bridge to be rebuilt in an improved form. Prior to the arrival of David Lennox in the Colony in 1832, NSW was without expert knowledge in bridge design and construction. Lennox, who had worked with the famous bridge engineer Thomas Telford, became the Superintendent of Bridges for NSW in 1833 (RTA, 2006).

During the first 60 years of the Colony, the majority of bridges were built from stone or timber, in the same manner as bridges being constructed in Britain and Europe. Stone was the bridge building material of choice in NSW, with construction costs kept low by the use of convict labour. However, with the cessation of convict transportation in the 1840s and subsequent rise in labour costs, bridge designers were forced to explore the use of other materials in bridge construction, leading to the eventual adoption of timber as the economical alternative. The size and quantity of readily available Australian hardwoods in the 1800s allowed the design and construction of efficient timber truss bridge designs reaching respectable spans.

History of Suspension Bridges in NSW
The history of the construction of suspension road bridges in NSW is rather limited compared to the more commonly built timber truss, steel, lift and concrete bridges that have been constructed in NSW since the 1800s. Suspension bridges have been more widely used as pedestrian bridges such as at river, creek and bay crossings (for example Hunter River, Moonan Flat and Parsley Bay, Vaucluse).

The first suspension road bridge constructed in NSW was at Long Gully, Northbridge in Sydney (Bridge No 172) that was opened to traffic in 1892 (Figure 2). It was built as a timber deck suspension bridge with steel cables and ornate sandstone turreted towers by private developers to promote future residential development to the north. The original suspension bridge was constructed with a 500ft main span that was supported by steel cables and hanger rods. The deck was stiffened by an undertruss which was pin connected at the centre of the span. The steel cables were supported on sandstone towers and anchored into bedrock at each end of the gorge. The wooden deck contained two traffic
lanes plus two tram tracks and pedestrian footways.

Following taking ownership of Northbridge Bridge in 1935, the then Department of Main Roads carried out inspections of the bridge which revealed that significant corrosion was occurring in the steelwork and cables. It was decided to replace the suspension bridge with a reinforced concrete arch with the original sandstone towers retained. The bridge was re-opened to traffic in 1939.

Hampden Bridge at Kangaroo Valley was the second suspension bridge to be built in NSW and is now the only surviving suspension road bridge from the Nineteenth Century. It replaced a previous timber truss bridge built in 1879. The new bridge was designed by Ernest Macartney De Burgh. It is noteworthy that De Burgh, in 1894 designed a suspension pedestrian bridge at the village of Tuena, NSW. Whilst this bridge was of a differing design, it is likely that De Burgh had incorporated some of design calculations into the development of the design of Hampden Bridge. Hampden Bridge was opened in 1898.

History of the Hampden Bridge
Design and Construction - Design for the new suspension bridge to replace the deteriorating timber bridge began when the Department of Public Works Engineer, Ernest de Burgh visited the site on 21 April 1895 to survey the site for the new bridge. De Burgh's design for the bridge included stone towers quarried on site to support steel cables, steel hangers and timber decking with two stiffening trusses formed by the timber and steel railing of the bridge. De Burgh in the design of the stiffening trusses adopted the same design he had used on 20 freestanding timber truss bridges that were built between 1900 and 1905, for example Landsdowne Bridge over Mulwaree Ponds.

An article titled "A Magnificent Bridge - The New Structure over Kangaroo River" appeared in The Kangaroo Valley Times in April 1896 announcing the imminent construction of the new bridge to be upstream of the previous bridge. The article also included a detailed description of the new bridge, including the following extract: "The new bridge is to be constructed on the suspension principle, the spans being supports of ends of cables being about 253ft. To carry the cables there will be erected on each side of the river a pair of towers of sandstone masonry, produced from the immediate vicinity of the bridge. The actual length of the bridge will be about 400ft from pilaster to pilaster, and as the
approaches measures about 528ft, the total length of bridge and approaches will be 928ft".

The company Loveridge & Hudson were engaged as the builders for the new bridge. Loveridge & Hudson had previously worked on a number of significant projects in Sydney, including modifications to the Customs House at Circular Quay and the renowned High Victorian architectural style Great Synagogue, Elizabeth Street, Sydney.

The first milestone celebrated in the construction period was on 30 May 1896 when the keystone to the southern end pier was laid by Florence Comer whose family had a number of associations with the Kangaroo Valley region. The keystone to the northern end pier was then laid less than 4 months later on 3 September 1896 by Barrengarry businessman Israel Karnofsky.

Construction progressed into the second half of 1896 with the completion of one abutment, partial completion of the other abutment; all masonry work, parapets and excavations undertaken for the placement of the concrete thrust blocks. However, a significant setback was the erection of the wire cables. New wire cables had to be sought from London, UK as the previously acquired cables were not satisfactory. It was not until July 1897 that first of the wire cables could be installed on the bridge. Without any more major setbacks, the construction of the bridge was progressed leading to its opening to traffic in February 1898.

On 2 February 1898, the Hampden Bridge was declared open to traffic by valley resident John King who also opened the former timber truss bridge. Leading up to the official opening, a number of tasks were identified as part of the "clean up" including the removal of the old timber bridge. However, this was not required as on 12 February 1898, the largest flood since 1870 (18.5m) hit the region with a flood peak of 16.7m resulting in the bridge breaking up and being washed downstream. Importantly, the new bridge was constructed 2m higher than the previous bridge.

The official opening took place on 19 May 1898. The opening ceremony was performed by the Minister for Works, James Henry Young, MP before a crowd of 400 people. He was accompanied by Robert R. P. Hickson, Engineer-in-Chief and Ernest De Burgh, bridge designer. The Minister in his opening speech remarked that he "might go over the great Australian continent, and would find nothing equal of it". The bridge was named after Lord Hampden, Governor of New South Wales from 1895 to 1899. Total construction cost of the bridge was (Pounds)8,382.

In 1987 the bridge was declared as one of 50 most historic bridges in NSW.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Modification of terrain-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of passive recreation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of cultural and natural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban and rural interaction-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of scenic beauty-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Engineering the public road system-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bridging rivers-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bridge - road-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Townships-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Beautifying towns and villages-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing private towns-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Shaping riverine settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	living in the country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	19th Century Infrastructure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Building Bridges-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the public service-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - surveying of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering public roads and bridges-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating pastoralism-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Public works-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian Gothic Revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Technological innovation and design solutions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	In service for over 110 years, on a route of major importance for the dairy industry of Kangaroo Valley and a route for communication and transport between both Sydney and inland centres and the south coast, Hampden Bridge facilitated the agricultural prominence of the Kangaroo Valley area in the first decades of the twentieth century. The application of a relatively sophisticated but uncommon structural design, in combination with elaborate (and structurally unnecessary) tower castellations and other embellishments, reflect the cultural importance afforded this crossing on what was then both a major route to the south of the state, and an area of emerging prosperity. The bridge now facilitates the growing importance of the area as a tourist destination. As a meeting and gathering place for the local Aboriginal people, the land occupied by Hampden Bridge is of historic significance. Kangaroo Valley was a place frequented as a meeting and gathering and the Dharawal (Tarawal or Thuruwal) travelled through the valley. The rock art sites nearby and camping areas are evidences of active Aboriginal occupation in this region. Hampden Bridge meets this criterion at a state level.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Hampden Bridge, as a major work of design and construction and a rare application of the suspension bridge principles in NSW, is strongly associated with in particular, E.M. De Burgh, eminent design engineer in NSW, who designed the bridge and has today a bridge named after him over the Lane Cove River, near Macquarie Park in Sydney. He was also responsible for the design of the Maldon suspension bridge, completed in 1903. In 1913 he was appointed chief engineer for water supply and sewerage, and was responsible for the design and construction of the Cordeaux, Avon and Nepean dams (Sydney water supply), the Chichester scheme for Newcastle and the Umberumberka scheme for Broken Hill. In 1921-25 he was a member of the Federal Capital Advisory Committee and prepared the original plans for Canberra's water supply. The bridge construction is also associated with the prominent late nineteenth century stonework and construction specialists, Loveridge and Hudson, with their company name having carried into the twentieth century. Loveridge and Hudson founded in 1882 are also notable for their quarrying and application of the rarely deposited rock, trachyte (also known as Bowral tracyhte) which was used in Hampden Bridge (Meyers, 2009) as well in the construction of a number of historic buildings in Sydney (for example Queen Victoria Building and Equitable Life Assurance), Canberra (for example National Library and Treasury buildings) and the Southern Highlands (for example Bowral Courthouse). Hampden Bridge meets this criterion at a state level.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The bridge is a highly attractive and distinctive structure. It has outstanding landmark qualities, spanning a serpentine ravine and announcing its presence with magnificent castellated sandstone towers which are joined by an elliptically arched cross beam under which traffic passes. The structure forms a gateway to the Kangaroo Valley township and to the South Coast beyond along the road from Moss Vale. The construction of the bridge at the end of the nineteenth century was a major and technically challenging undertaking incorporating sophisticated structural engineering for its time. The early suspension bridge form is well suited to the site, with its deep, sheer sided ravine, and the necessity for a single long span was exemplified by loss of the previous two spanned, timber truss bridge to a major flood. Notwithstanding, the loss of some original fabric over time necessitated by maintenance and structural reasons, the defining components of the bridge (towers and suspension system) are readily visible and interpretable from deck level and from public spaces provided to each side of the bridge, its context and setting and in the gully below. The movement of the deck and cables as heavy traffic passes across the bridge is a distinctive experience for drivers, pedestrians and observers. The early suspension form clearly demonstrates the available technology and scope of construction at the time of its construction. It is a demonstration of the inventiveness of the early engineers in finding design solutions to develop infrastructure in daunting terrain. As such it ranks with other engineering feats such as the Zig Zag Railway at Lithgow. Hampden Bridge meets this criterion at a state level.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Hampden Bridge has rarity value at a State level as the only surviving timber decked vehicular suspension bridge from the nineteenth century. The bridge is a rare example of a historic type of road bridge of which few were ever constructed in NSW. It was the second major suspension bridge in NSW. As the sole surviving suspension bridge in NSW, it provides rare evidence of this bridge type and construction especially since the earlier Long Gully, Northbridge suspension bridge was replaced with a concrete arch bridge in 1929.It retains rare qualities of early suspension bridge design and technology which were not commonly applied elsewhere in the state or in other engineering structures. It provides clear demonstration of a point in bridge design evolution which was rarely utilised in NSW in the late nineteenth century despite the availability of the technology. It also has a rare and hence unusual group of anchor structures which have a high degree of aesthetic detail when most of the construction effort for them should have been focussed on their strength and function. Hampden Bridge is of significance for its rarity value at the state level.
Integrity/Intactness:	The bridge is highly intact and retains a high degree of integrity.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Hampden Bridge Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley SHR No. 02024 I, the Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule C by the owner described in Schedule B on the item described in Schedule A. The Hon Don Harwin MLC Special Minister of State Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts Vice-President of the Executive Council Sydney, 25th Day of July 2019 SCHEDULE A The item known as Hampden Bridge, situated on the land described in Schedule B. SCHEDULE B All those pieces or parcels of land known as road reserve and part Lot 7 DP 581233 in Parish of Cambewarra, County of Camden shown on the plan catalogued HC 3218 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE C 1. All Standard Exemptions 2. Restoration a. Restoration of the bridge by returning significant fabric to a known earlier location without the introduction of new material. b. Restoration of the bridge without the introduction of new material (except for fixings or fastenings) to reveal a known earlier configuration by removing accretions or reassembling existing components which does not adversely affect the heritage significance of the item. 3. Maintenance and Cleaning a. The maintenance of the bridge to retain its condition or operation without the removal of or damage to the existing fabric or the introduction of new materials. b. Cleaning including the removal of surface deposits, organic growths or graffiti by the use of low pressure water (less than 100 psi at the surface being cleaned), neutral detergents and mild brushing, scrubbing or abrasives. c. Maintenance and minor repairs necessary to preserve and maintain the functioning of the bridge as a transport corridor, including pavement resurfacing; maintenance and repair of roadside kerbing; maintenance and replacement of deck joints; concrete coring and testing; traffic management; relocation and maintenance of signage. d. Use of anti-graffiti treatments including sacrificial coatings, where it is known that this activity would not harm the heritage values of the structure. 4. Repairs a. Repair of structural components of the bridge to include pavement resurfacing, painting, traffic management and navigational infrastructure on the bridge. b. Repairs and activities associated with the maintenance and repair of services and utilities including communications and electricity. c. The repair (such as refixing and patching) or the replacement of missing, damaged or deteriorated fabric that is beyond further maintenance, which matches the existing fabric in appearance, material and method of affixing and does not involve damage to or the removal of significant fabric. 5. Works a. Works and activities associated with the maintenance and repair of the 1967 timber deck, signage and plaques. b. Temporary works, not exceeding 12 months, including containment areas, deck support or inspection systems, scaffolding and enclosures necessary for the carrying out of maintenance, enhancement or upgrading works. c. Minor works that do not alter the structure's overall form or shape or significantly change the appearance of bridge elements. d. Minor works necessary to preserve and maintain bridge lighting including the upgrade of existing lighting fixtures. e. Temporary and reversible works, not exceeding 6 weeks, for the operation of special events including the use of temporary event lighting. 6. Minor Development Endorsed by the Heritage Council a. Minor development specifically identified as exempt development by a conservation policy or strategy within a conservation management plan or a conservation management strategy which has been endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW, which does not materially impact on heritage significance. 7. Repainting a. Repainting which does not involve the disturbance or removal of earlier paint layers other than that which has failed by chalking, flaking, peeling or blistering. b. Repainting which involves over-coating with an appropriate surface as an isolating layer to provide a means of protection for significant earlier layers or to provide a stable basis for repainting. Repainting which employs the same colour scheme and paint type as an earlier scheme if they are appropriate to the substrate and do not endanger the survival of earlier paint layers. d. Removal of lead paint or other hazardous coatings using methods that are verified to not affect original fabric, where followed immediately by recoating to protect the exposed surface. 8. Signage a. Installation of new signage or relocation of signs, except where these are commercial signs, modular sign structures, cantilever sign structures, or signage over two square metres in size. 9. Excavation a. The excavation or disturbance of land that will have a nil or minor impact on archaeological relics including the testing of land to verify the existence of relics without destroying or removing them, where: i. an archaeological assessment, zoning plan or management plan has been prepared in accordance with Guidelines endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW which indicates that any relics in the land are unlikely to have State or local heritage significance; and/or ii. evidence relating to the history or nature of the site, such as its level of disturbance, indicates that the site has little or no archaeological research potential. b. The excavation or disturbance of land is for the purpose of exposing underground utility services infrastructure which occurs within an existing service trench and will not affect any relics. c. The excavation or disturbance of land is to maintain or repair the foundations of the existing bridge which will not affect any associated relics. d. The excavation or disturbance of land is to expose survey marks for use in conducting a land survey. 10. Landscape Maintenance (Approaches) a. Weeding, watering, mowing, top-dressing, pest control and fertilizing necessary for the continued health of plants, without damage or major alterations to layout, contours, plant species or other significant landscape features. b. Pruning (to control size, improve shape, flowering or fruiting and the removal of diseased, dead or dangerous material), not exceeding 10% of the canopy of a tree within a period of two years. c. Pruning (to control size, improve shape, flowering or fruiting and the removal of diseased, dead or dangerous material) between 10% and 30% of the canopy of a tree within a period of two years. d. Removal of dead or dying trees which are to be replaced by trees of the same species in the same location. e. Tree surgery by a qualified arborist, horticulturist or tree surgeon necessary for the health of those plants. 11. Safety and Security a. The erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or secure public safety which will not adversely affect significant fabric of the bridge including landscape or archaeological features of its curtilage. b. Development, including emergency stabilisation, necessary to secure safety where the bridge has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and poses a safety risk to its users or the public. c. Minor works necessary to preserve and enhance the security of the structure, including security fencing, video surveillance and detection systems. d. Works that, in the opinion of the Heritage Council or its Delegate, are required for the security of the bridge and bridge users, and that need to remain confidential. Notes 1. Maintenance means 'the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place'. 2. Replacement elements may be date-stamped or otherwise marked to indicate they are later components.	Aug 2 2019
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	Hampden Bridge	02024	02 Aug 19	85	3040
Heritage Act - Icons Project Nomination for SHR listing			03 Sep 04
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register
State Environmental Planning Policy	Illawarra REP No.1		11 Apr 86
Local Environmental Plan	Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014	241
National Trust of Australia register	Hampden Bridge	5851	30 Jul 02
Institution of Engineers (NSW) Historic Engineering Marker			01 Oct 99
Register of the National Estate	Nom.09/07/1981	001621	18 Apr 89	AHC

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Worley Parsons Pty Ltd	2011	Hampden Bridge Conservation Management Plan

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5056028
File number:	EF18/6943; H04/00091/4 (ICONS)

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